2025 Chinese New Year

In Chinese communities around the world, families will begin celebrating New Year's eve for the Chinese Lunar New Year, A.K.A., the "Spring Festival," as it is known in China. Chinese New Year is celebrated for 15 days and is the longest and most important Chinese Holiday. The year of the Wood Snake officially starts on January 29th and ends on February 16, 2026.

Review and quick primer of

Chinese New Year’s mythology and traditions

(regular readers can skip this section)

Recommend you see video:

The Myth behind the Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese zodiac is made up of 12 different signs (all animals). In addition to the 12 signs, the calendar also includes 5 elements (earth, metal, water, wood, and fire) which have a strengthening or moderating influence upon the signs. Hence, in total, the Chinese calendar goes in a 60 year cycle (12 signs multiplied by the 5 elements). This is the Wood Snake year.

There is an interesting legend about the origin of Chinese zodiac. The Jade Emperor wanted to select 12 animals to be his palace guards. He preferred the Ox to be the first for its honesty and diligence, but out of everyone’s expectation, the smart Rat covertly hid on the Ox back and occupied the first place at the essential moment. So, the Ox is the second animal in the Chinese Zodiac.

If you have read my past year Musings, you know an important part of welcoming the New Year is to prepare for good luck and ward off bad luck.

Here are some common dos and don'ts for good luck during Chinese New year. These traditions and superstitions are meant to ensure a prosperous and lucky start to the New Year.

DOs

• Clean your home: Clean your house before the New Year to sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune.

• Decorate with Red: Use red decorations like lanterns and couplets to symbolize happiness and good luck (The Starner Group's conference room is a lovely red with red candies for all who visit).

• Give Red Envelopes: Give red envelopes (hongbao) with money to children and unmarried adults for good luck.

• Wear New Clothes: Wear new clothes, preferably in red, to symbolize a fresh start and good fortune.

• Eat lucky foods: Enjoy foods like fish, dumplings, and oranges, which are believed to bring prosperity and good luck.

• Pay off your debts before the New Year!

• Use fireworks galore - In the old days, bamboo was set on fire, the crackling flames are meant to frighten the evil spirits. Modern day fireworks have taken the place of bamboo but are still thought to do the same thing.

DON'Ts

• Avoid cleaning on New Year's Day: Don't sweep or take out the garbage on New Year's Day to avoid sweeping away good luck.

• No Unlucky Words: Avoid using negative words related to death, sickness, or bad luck.

• Don't Wash Hair: Avoid washing your hair on New Year's Day to prevent washing away good fortune.

• No Breaking Objects: Be careful not to break any dishes or mirrors, as this is believed to bring bad luck.

• Do not lend or cry on the New Year...as it is thought that anyone who lends or cries on the New Year will be lending or crying all year round (this is how you keep complainers and children quiet).

• Do not cut on New Year Day as you might cut away your good fortune.

Review Dragon years in the last

60 Year Cycle

Wood Snake: Feb 2, 1965 - Jan 20, 1966

Inflation Rate USA 1.61%

30 Year Fixed mortgage rate 4.25-4.38%

Dow 12/31/65 962

• Voting Rights Act Signed: On August 6, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law, outlawing discriminatory voting practices that had disenfranchised African Americans.

• Watts Riots: From August 11 to 16, 1965, the Watts neighborhood in Los Angeles experienced severe riots, sparked by racial tensions and resulting in significant damage and loss of life.

• First U.S. Combat Troops in Vietnam: The first U.S. combat troops arrived in Vietnam in March 1965, marking a significant escalation in the Vietnam War.

• Launch of Intelsat I (Early Bird): On April 6, 1965, the first commercial communications satellite, Intelsat I (nicknamed "Early Bird"), was launched, revolutionizing global communications.

• Mariner 4 Mars Flyby: NASA's Mariner 4 spacecraft performed the first successful flyby of Mars on July 14, 1965, sending back the first close-up images of the Martian surface.

How much things cost

Gallon of Gas: 30 cents

Loaf of bread: 39 cents

US Postage Stamp: 13 cents

Fire Snake: Feb 18, 1977 – Feb 6, 1978

Inflation Rate USA 6.5%

30 Year Fixed mortgage rate 8.87%

Dow 12/31/77 831

• Apple Computer Inc. was incorporated: On April 1, 1977, Apple Computer Inc. was officially incorporated by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, marking the beginning of a tech giant.

• Star Wars premiered: The iconic film "Star Wars" (later retitled "Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope") premiered on May 25, 1977, and became a cultural phenomenon.

• Voyager 1 launched: NASA launched the Voyager 1 spacecraft on September 5, 1977, to explore the outer planets and beyond.

• Elvis Presley passed away: The legendary rock and roll singer Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977, at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee.

• Jimmy Carter: defeats incumbent Gerald Ford.

• The first free elections in Spain: On June 15, 1977, Spain held its first democratic elections after the death of dictator Francisco Franco, marking a significant step towards democracy.

How much things cost

Gallon of Gas: 62 cents

Loaf of bread: 25 cents

US Postage Stamp: 13 cents

Earth Snake: Feb 6 1989 – Jan 26, 1990

Inflation Rate USA 4.83%

30 Year fixed mortgage rate 10.32%

Dow 12/31/89 2753

• Fall of the Berlin Wall: On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall fell, symbolizing the end of the Cold War and the beginning of German reunification.

• Tiananmen Square Protests: In June 1989, pro-democracy protests in Beijing's Tiananmen Square were violently suppressed by the Chinese government.

• Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez oil tanker spilled millions of gallons of crude oil in Prince William Sound, Alaska.

• George H. W. Bush: Becomes 41^st President of United States.

• Loma Prieta Earthquake: On October 17, 1989, a major earthquake struck the San Francisco Bay Area, causing significant damage and loss of life.

• First Flight of the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber: The B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber had its first flight on July 17, 1989.

How much things cost

Gallon of Gas: $1.00

Loaf of bread: 70 cents

US Postage Stamp: 25 cents

Metal Snake: Jan 24, 2001 – Feb 11, 2002

Inflation Rate USA 2.83%

30 Year fixed mortgage rate 6.97%

Dow 12/31/2001 10,021

• September 11 Attacks: On September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon resulted in significant loss of life and led to major global political changes.

• War in Afghanistan: Following the 9/11 attacks, the United States launched Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan on October 7, 2001.

• Enron Scandal: The Enron Corporation filed for bankruptcy on December 2, 2001, after revelations of widespread corporate fraud.

• Apple Introduced the iPod: On October 23, 2001, Apple Inc. introduced the first iPod, revolutionizing the music industry.

• China Joined the WTO: On December 11, 2001, China officially joined the World Trade Organization (WTO).

• Anthrax Attacks: In the fall of 2001, anthrax-laced letters were sent to various media outlets and government offices in the United States, causing widespread fear.

How much things cost

Gallon of Gas: $1.46

Loaf of bread: $1.02

US Postage Stamp: 34 cents

Water Snake: Feb 10, 2013 – Jan 30, 2014

Inflation Rate USA 1.46%

30 Year fixed mortgage rate 3.98%

Dow 12/31/13 16,576

• Pope Benedict XVI Resigned: On February 28, 2013, Pope Benedict XVI became the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years.

• Boston Marathon Bombing: On April 15, 2013, two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, resulting in deaths and injuries.

• Edward Snowden Leaks: In June 2013, Edward Snowden leaked classified information from the NSA, revealing extensive global surveillance programs.

• Typhoon Haiyan: In November 2013, Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines, causing massive destruction and loss of life.

• Nelson Mandela's Death: On December 5, 2013, Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa and anti-apartheid revolutionary, passed away.

• Curiosity Rover's Discoveries: NASA's Curiosity rover made significant discoveries on Mars, including evidence of ancient freshwater lakes.

How much things cost

Gallon of Gas: $3.60

Loaf of bread: $1.41

US Postage Stamp: 46 cents

Now for 2025

Wood Snake Year

Year of Reflection and Subtle Transformation

The Chinese New Year of the Wood Snake begins on January 29, 2025. The Wood Snake encourages a more introspective approach compared to the bold energy of the previous year. Overall, the Wood Snake year is seen as a time for introspection, strategic planning, and building deeper connections. Inviting everyone to move forward cautiously and plan their actions carefully to ensure lasting success. While 2024 encouraged grand gestures and bold actions, 2025 is a year of moderation, where each sign is encouraged to think before acting. This shift from flamboyant energies to a calmer period invites everyone to dig deep within themselves, like searching for water in a well, to find lasting answers and inner wisdom. Patience becomes an essential ally for navigating this year.

Here are some general predictions for 2025:

• Opportunities and Collaboration: The year emphasizes respect and collaboration to achieve goals. Expanding social circles and building strong relationships will be beneficial.

• Ethical Wealth Acquisition: It's important to acquire wealth ethically and avoid shortcuts or greed.

• Luckiest Signs: The Dragon, Ox, Snake, and Rooster are expected to be the luckiest zodiac signs this year.

The lucky colors of 2025 are emerald green and carmine red, hues that embody the energies of the Wood Snake.

Emerald green, associated with the Yin Wood element, evokes growth, renewal, and vitality, while carmine red, linked to the Snake’s intrinsic Yin Fire element, symbolizes passion, energy, and inner transformation. These colors will be particularly beneficial for channeling the year’s positive energies, whether in home decor, fashion choices, or lucky accessories

Your Prognostications for

2025 Wood Snake Year

In 2025, it's the snake's turn to slither onto center stage. The snake is linked to metamorphosis, intelligence, mystery, and intuition. The Snake year is an excellent time for spirituality and personal growth, as it encourages self-discovery.

The 2025 element, Wood, enhances the snake's traits, adding greater versatility, growth, and creativity. With an emphasis on relationships, personal development, and overcoming challenges, this combination suggests a year of consistent progress.

For all signs, this will be a great year to focus on making plans, solving problems, and behaving strategically in all areas of your life. (Good news for the Starner Group ) However, each Chinese zodiac sign will experience unique challenges and opportunities. Each zodiac animal is associated with your year of birth. Continue to learn yours.

For Rats born in:

(1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2032)

Key Characteristics: Intelligent, adaptable, quick-witted

Focus: Growth and opportunities

For Rats, 2025's Year of the Snake looks promising. Your sharp thinking and unique ideas will open doors to career growth, potentially even paving the way to start your own business.

This is also a great time to strengthen relationships with friends, family, and colleagues. Stay open to collaboration, but remember to balance work with personal life. With cautious planning, financial gains are well within reach.

For Oxen born in:

(1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2007, 2021, 2033)

Key Characteristics: Strong, reliable, determined.

Focus: Resilience and persistence

For the Ox, the Year of the Wood Snake promises to be a steady and successful one. Your hard work and sense of responsibility will lead to consistent career progress.

Challenges may arise, but patience and determination will help you overcome them. Personal relationships are likely to flourish, thanks to honest communication. A peaceful atmosphere will keep everything move forward smoothly.

For Tigers born in: (Margaret born Year of the Tiger)

(1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034)

Key Characteristics: Brave, competitive, unpredictable.

Focus: Adventure and risk-taking

Tigers, the Year of the Snake presents some challenges, but with hard work and a calm approach, you'll seize opportunities and manage your finances well.

A surge of energy and enthusiasm will make it an ideal time to take bold steps in your career or personal goals. However, be cautious of impulsive decisions. Stay positive, focus on personal growth, and you'll overcome any obstacles that come your way.

For Rabbits born in:

(1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987,1999, 2011, 2023, 2035)

Key Characteristics: Gentle, quiet, elegant

Focus: Harmony and introspection

The Year of the Wood Snake will be a breakthrough year for rabbits, as things fall into place with ease. Your hard work is laying a solid foundation for future success, bringing financial stability and smart spending choices.

It's also a time to prioritize self-care and cultivate inner peace. Strengthen family bonds and resolve any lingering issues to foster emotional growth.

For Dragons born in:

(1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036)

Key Characteristics: Confident, ambitious, energetic

Focus: Ambition and leadership

Dragons, the Year of the Wood Snake is shaping up to be one of positivity, success, and financial stability. With your strong and dynamic nature, 2025 offers the chance to lead projects and take charge of your destiny.

Put in the effort and you'll reap the rewards, enjoying a balanced and fulfilling year. However, be mindful of overconfidence, and make sure to place a stronger focus on family responsibilities.

For Snakes born in:

(1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037)

Key Characteristics: Wise, enigmatic, intuitive

Focus: Renewal and adaptability

Snakes, your year may bring some challenges in your career and finances, but staying positive and flexible will help you overcome setbacks. Focus on your health and avoid negativity, and you'll navigate the year with confidence and success.

This year marks a time of transformation and renewal. Trust your intuition, embrace change, and deepen relationships through honest dialogue.

For Horses born in:

(1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038)

Key Characteristics: Active, energetic, free-spirited

Focus: Freedom and creativity

Horses, 2025 will be a stellar year! With luck on your side, you'll find success in both your career and relationships. Your charm will attract positive outcomes at work and in love, making this a year of big wins.

You'll thrive on independence, with plenty of opportunities for creative pursuits. Travel or new hobbies could bring joy, but be sure to balance impulsive tendencies with practicality.

For Sheep (Goat/Ram) born in:

(1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039)

Key Characteristics: Calm, gentle, sympathetic

Focus: Collaboration and nurturing

The Year of the Wood Snake will be a bright one for Goats. You'll effortlessly attract wealth and recognition, with a steady flow of finances and a thriving career.

Your hard work will pay off, bringing both success and satisfaction in your professional life. Focus on building meaningful connections this year. Professional teamwork will yield success, and your natural warmth and care will strengthen personal relationships

For Monkeys born in:

(1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040)

Key Characteristics: Witty, curious, clever

Focus: Innovation and curiosity

Monkeys, 2025 will be a solid and exciting year. Even with occasional moments of unpredictability, your adaptability and ambition will guide you through with ease. Your intelligence and wisdom will help you navigate challenges smoothly, leading to financial growth, new connections, and major breakthroughs.

Embrace opportunities for learning and discovery, as new skills and ventures could bring unexpected success. With the support of those around you, stay grounded to avoid overstretching yourself.

For Roosters born in:

(1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041)

Key Characteristics: Observant, hardworking, resourceful

Focus: Precision and discipline

Roosters, 2025 will also be a great year for you. Your natural affinity for structure and discipline will help you stay organized, achieve your goals, and boost your confidence.

Dedication and persistence will lead to career advancement and financial gains. Be open to unexpected blessings and meaningful relationships that make you feel truly on top of your game.

For Dogs born in:

(1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042)

Key Characteristics: Observant, hardworking, resourceful

Focus: Loyalty and justice

Dogs, 2025 promises to be a steady and rewarding year in which your integrity and professionalism will shine. You may find yourself in positions of responsibility, with opportunities to stand up for what you believe in.

Hard work will lead to success in both your career and relationships, while pleasant surprises and financial growth ensure a prosperous and fulfilling year with little stress.

For Pigs born in:

(1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043)

Key Characteristics: Generous, diligent, compassionate

Focus: Prosperity and kindness

Pigs, 2025 may bring challenges in relationships, but staying calm and approaching conflicts with grace will help you maintain harmony. Focus on finding solutions and staying positive to navigate the year successfully.

At the same time, 2025 promises joy and abundance, with financial opportunities on the horizon. Remember to share your good fortune with loved ones, and stay grounded to keep the balance.

Sources:

Hindustan Times

Times of India

China Highlights

China Travel Guide

Wishing you good health (Gong Hay) and Prosperity (fat choy) in the Year of the Snake!!!

Sincerely,

Margaret C. Starner

Senior VP - Wealth Management

2333 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Suite 500

Coral Gables, FL 33134

305-461-6660

www.starnergroup.com

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Source: Barron's “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors,” March 2024. Barron's is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company, L.P. All rights reserved. The rankings are based on data provided by 5,630 individual advisors and their firms and include qualitative and quantitative criteria. Time period upon which the rating is based is from 09/30/2022 to 09/30/2023, and was released on 03/15/2024. Factors included in the rankings: assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record, quality of practice and philanthropic work. Investment performance is not an explicit component because not all advisors have audited results and because performance figures often are influenced more by clients' risk tolerance than by an advisor's investment picking abilities. The ranking may not be representative of any one client's experience, is not an endorsement, and is not indicative of advisor's future performance. Neither Raymond James nor any of its Financial Advisors pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. Barron's is not affiliated with Raymond James.

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